The City of Akron and Akron Energy Systems (AES), the district energy provider for Akron, have received one of three high efficiency natural gas boilers to be installed in the City’s energy production plant. Once the plant is operational in late 2019, the new boilers will provide up to 450,000 pounds of steam per hour to provide heat and cooling to Akron’s downtown businesses.

Manufactured by Babcock & Wilcox Co., the boilers each have an output of over 5,000 horsepower; utilize low emitting, state-of-the-art natural gas technology; provide a 30% smaller carbon footprint than a traditional gas boiler; and are capable of operating on fuel oil in the event of a natural gas outage. The first boiler—weighing 97 tons and measuring 29 feet long and 17 –passed by Akron City Hall on its way to the AES plant on Opportunity Parkway.

Akron’s district energy system currently serves more than 10 million square feet of commercial space in downtown Akron, including the campuses of Cleveland Clinic/Akron General Medical Center and Akron Children’s Hospital.

“With delivery of the new boilers, we are one important step closer to bringing Akron’s new district energy plant online,” said City of Akron Mayor Dan Horrigan. “Once completed, this state-of-the-art facility will enhance our ability to provide an efficient and reliable source of energy at an affordable price to essential downtown institutions. Ultimately, this offering furthers Akron’s efforts to develop opportunities for growth in our revitalized urban core.”

The remaining two boilers are scheduled for delivery in mid-October.